Bottle Chute Detection Using Three-Sensor Sequence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle collection and recycling systems are prone to tampering and false sensor detections due to the placement of sensors near the outlet of the chute, which can be triggered by external factors like lightning, birds, or wind, leading to unauthorized receipt issuance and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a three-sensor configuration within the chute, with sensors positioned at different longitudinal points to detect the bottle's movement in a predetermined sequence, ensuring accurate detection and preventing false signals, combined with bottle stops to secure the bottle's movement and prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single optical sensor is placed near the outlet of the chute to detect bottles, then the device can detect bottle returns and dispense receipts, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and false sensor detections from external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor detection point is segmented into multiple sensor positions along the chute. The patent employs first, second, and third sensors positioned at different locations to detect bottle presence at sequential points, dividing the detection function into multiple reliable measurement points that collectively verify bottle return while preventing tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection actions at multiple points before final receipt dispensing. The first sensor detects bottle entry, the second sensor verifies bottle passage, and the third sensor confirms bottle exit, creating a preliminary verification sequence that prevents false detections from triggering receipt issuance.
2Device complexity
If the sensor is positioned near the outlet to detect bottles exiting the chute, then bottle detection is simplified, but unauthorized receipt issuance can occur through tampering with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented across three positions along the chute rather than relying on a single outlet sensor. This segmentation creates multiple security checkpoints that must all be satisfied for receipt dispensing, making tampering difficult since an unauthorized user cannot simultaneously manipulate all three sensor positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors to verify legitimate bottle return before dispensing receipts. The controller receives feedback signals from the first, second, and third sensors in sequence, and only dispenses receipts when all sensors confirm proper bottle passage, creating a feedback loop that prevents unauthorized receipt issuance.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are positioned at different locations within the chute, then false sensor detections from external factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into three distinct sensor positions along the chute, each performing a specific detection function. This segmentation distributes the detection load across multiple simple sensor units rather than requiring one complex high-sensitivity sensor, achieving reliability through distributed simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection actions at multiple sequential points before final receipt dispensing. The first sensor detects bottle entry, the second sensor verifies bottle passage, and the third sensor confirms bottle exit, creating a preliminary verification sequence that prevents false detections from triggering receipt issuance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances security and accuracy by requiring a specific sequence of sensor activations to dispense a receipt, reducing false positives and unauthorized access, thereby ensuring that only valid bottle returns are rewarded with a ticket.
Implementation Method 1
the means for sensing the return of the bottle is provided by an optical sensor placed near an outlet of the bottle receiving chute
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for receiving and detecting a bottle having a chute configured for receiving the bottle therein, a first sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a first position within the chute, a second sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a second position within the chute, and a third sensor disposed to detect the bottle at a third position within the chute, and an indicator in communication with the sensors to provide indication that a bottle was received. A method carried out by the apparatus is also provided.